Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Layer it up: Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Layer the remaining pasta over that, followed by the rest of the cheese.
- Pepperoni layer: Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the top, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden.
- Rest: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. For extra crispy pepperoni, broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this Cheesy Pizza Casserole can be as casual or as fancy as you like. Portion it into bowls and serve alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a cozy family dinner. Pair it with a cold soda or some refreshing iced tea, and you have the perfect meal for a movie night in.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to wrap it well. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Helpful cooking tips
- Noodle choice: While rotini and penne are great for this dish due to their ability to hold onto sauce, you can use whatever pasta shape you prefer.
- Mix up the meats: If you want to enhance the flavor profile, consider using half sausage and half beef for a delightful mix.
- Cheese overload: Don’t be shy with the cheese! A bit of extra mozzarella or even adding a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving can elevate the dish further.
Recipe variations
Feel free to get creative! Try adding sliced bell peppers for some crunch, black olives for a briny tang, or even mushrooms for an earthy flavor. If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap in turkey sausage and whole grain pasta. The options are endless, making this casserole a versatile favorite.
Common questions
What can I serve with Cheesy Pizza Casserole?
This dish pairs famously with fresh salads, garlic bread, or even some steamed veggies. You can’t go wrong with something refreshing to balance out the richness!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just substitute the meat with a variety of vegetables or a meatless sausage option, and perhaps add some more cheese to keep the flavors robust.
How do I store the casserole after cooking?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
